HISTORIC HYDE PARK - A task force studying ways to make Bayshore Boulevard safer recommended Wednesday adding three traffic lights and reducing the number of lanes.
The task force suggested adding lights on Bayshore for drivers heading north to downtown at Bay to Bay Boulevard, Howard Avenue and Platt Street.
The task force also voted to reduce Bayshore from six to four lanes. The city is already pursuing a $2-million grant to help pay for the downsizing.
If the task force gets its way, the city will also drop the speed limit along the scenic waterfront road to 35 mph from 40 mph. It will also urge Mayor Pam Iorio to add sidewalks along the entire residential side of Bayshore.
The group is considering adding traffic lights on Bayshore at Rome Avenue, near Old Hyde Park Village, and at Swann Avenue, near the Bank of Tampa building.
The task force will meet again June 9 to vote on other proposals. The meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Kate Jackson Community Center, 821 S Rome Ave.
After the group finishes its work, its recommendations will go to Iorio and the Tampa City Council for review.
